Healthcare Insurance Quotes in Osprey - South Sarasota, FL

Sam Self, Agent

941-966-3737

Healthcare Coverage

Do you need Health Care Insurance?

GreatFlorida Insurance is committed to helping Floridians make informed decisions about their health care. Health insurance is designed to protect individuals and families from the high costs of health care.

Whether you are facing a pre-existing health condition, an emergency situation or just want preventative and wellness care, health insurance will pay part of your costs.

GreatFlorida Insurance offers coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, also known as Florida Blue.

We can help clear up any confusion about recent health reform, the Affordable Care Act, (ACA) and answer any of your questions concerning health care.

How does health insurance work?

Your health insurance plan is a contract between you and your insurance company.

You pay a monthly bill called a premium for the health plan and the insurance company agrees to pay part of the costs for covered medical services.

The plans have varying costs and coverage to meet your needs and budget. Another option includes a Catastrophic Plan for single people under 30 who qualify through financial hardships.

GreatFlorida Insurance can help you understand your choice of plans and options for health care through Florida Blue.

We will help you apply for and enroll in a plan that works best for you.

Affordable Care Act

In March 2010, President Obama signed into law, comprehensive health reform, Affordable Care Act, (ACA). The law makes preventative care more accessible and affordable for many Americans.

The health care law is designed to provide better benefits and expanding coverage while creating a stronger Medicare program.

What if I do not get health insurance in 2014?

If you can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it, you will be penalized and must pay a fee. The fee in 2014 is 1 percent of your yearly income or $95 per person for the year, whichever is higher.

The fee increases every year. In 2016 it is 2.5 percent of income or $695 per person, whichever is higher. In 2014 the payment for uninsured children is $47.50 per child.

New Options Include:

Floridians can find out if they are eligible for lower costs for private insurance or health programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, (CHIP) and enroll in health coverage.

Parents can keep their children on their health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old.

Insurers can no longer deny coverage to children because of pre-existing conditions such as asthma or diabetes.

In 2014, health insurers will no longer be able to charge more or deny coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition.

Health insurance companies now have to spend at least 80 cents of your premium dollar on health care or improvements to care or provide you with a refund.

Insurance companies are required to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise rates by 10 percent or more.

Insurance companies are banned from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits. The law also restricts the use of annual limits and bans them completely in 2014.

Preventative services such as colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, Pap smears and mammograms for women, well-child visits and flu shots for all children and adults, will be covered with no deductible or co-pay required.

Increases funding to community health centers

Strengthens Medicare Program

Increasing coverage for brand name and generic drugs

No deductibles or co-pays for preventative services seniors and people with disabilities

Florida has the highest shark activity of any other region in the world.

In 2016, 53 unprovoked shark attacks occurred in the U.S., according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF). Thankfully there were no deaths from the attacks. Florida, suffered the most with 32 assaults. In fact, most shark attacks happen in Volusia and Brevard counties.

“While the idea of a shark attack is terrifying, it is extremely rare,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent health insurance agency. Experts believe there is a greater chance of being killed by lightning or an asteroid. ISAF reports the chances of being involved in a shark attack are one in 11.5 million.

The species most likely to attack?

Bigger species of sharks usually inflict the most severe injuries to victims. The most common species involved in an unprovoked attack include, the great white, tiger and bull sharks. Notably, great whites and bull sharks will sometimes swim close to shore or in shallow waters.

What if you see a shark while in the water?

Paul de Gelder, former Australian Navy Diver and shark attack survivor counseled Outside Magazine, if you see a shark, steady your breathing. He also advised, “Losing your cool and thrashing around is the easiest way to join the ocean’s food chain.”

What is the course of action if you find yourself in the midst of an attack?

“Hitting a shark on the tip of the snout is a good idea, but this is effective only prior to an actual bite. Afterwards, clawing at the gills and eyes is the best possible strategy. By this time, the shark is fully into its attack behavioral sequence, and only the weakest, most sensitive areas are vulnerable. Always demonstrate strength- there’s no such thing as playing dead around a shark!”

-George Burgess, Director of the Florida Program for Shark Research and curator for ISAF, told to Outside Magazine.

“If you are around when someone is attacked, put basic skills to the test. Call 911 and apply as much pressure as possible to the injured area,” advises Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance agency.

Living in the Sunshine State, most Floridians depend on sunscreens to remedy our over exposure to the sun.

“You cannot spend the day at the beach or on a boat without slathering up sun protection almost immediately, unless you want a sunburn,” warns Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance agency.

But are we misinformed? It seems too much value is placed on the effectiveness of sunblock. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), points out, “Sunscreen products are not as good as they should be. Today’s sunscreens do not fully protect skin from all types of ultraviolet(UV) damage.”

After speaking with doctors who are conducting research on the use of sunscreen, Reuters concluded,” There isn’t much evidence to conclusively prove that daily sunscreen use can prevent most skin cancers.”

The reason for the lack of reliable information on sunscreen gets down to ethics. Physicians and researchers feel it is unethical to ask people to sit in the sun unprotected for hours while they record data, potentially placing them at risk.

Despite the lack of information, doctors urge the public to continue using sunscreens until more substantial data emerges. Information that is currently used is based on questionnaires from skin cancer sufferers.

The EWG recommends sunscreen as a last resort. Other ways to keep skin protected include:

According to The American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. More skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined. In fact, the number of skin cancer cases has been going up over the past few decades.

While sunscreens might not be the cure we were hoping for, it is necessary to protect your skin from the powerful Florida sun. Below you can find links to highly rated sunscreens by Consumer Reports and EWG.

After spending a good amount of money and time planning your ideal trip you might be thinking of purchasing travel insurance. But, you might already be covered.

“Homeowners insurance, renters insurance, auto insurance and medical insurance follows you on vacation,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance provider. That includes; rental cars, illness, stolen items, lost luggage, accidental injuries and property damage. Before you buy travel insurance, check your policy and see what is currently covered. You want to avoid paying for insurance coverage beyond what is necessary.

Medical coverage

Your current health insurance policy could provide adequate coverage on your travels. Check coverage in the area you are headed. You might be surprised to find doctors and facilities that accept your health insurance even overseas. The U.S. Department of State urges international travelers to make sure they have health insurance where they are traveling. Many foreign doctors and hospitals require cash payment and emergency medical evacuation can cost up to $100,000. Also, Medicare is not available outside of the country.

While illness is covered during your travels, a pre-existing medical condition might not be. This is a detail you will need to review with your insurance agent.

Lost or stolen items

It is a pain to arrive at your destination without your luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation limits lost baggage claims to $3300. Keep in mind, airlines account for depreciation of your stuff so if you are traveling with golf clubs or pricey camera equipment you might want to make sure your luggage is covered. Stolen items and lost luggage are reimbursed under your homeowners insurance and renters insurance policy.

Auto insurance will extend to a rental vehicle. If you cause an accident while driving a rental car, the liability portion of your auto insurance would cover the damages to other cars or property.

Travel insurance

One of the most common misconceptions about travel insurance is the idea that you can cancel for any reason and be reimbursed. Travel insurance will reimburse you on a majority but not all expenses. Like other insurance policies, the amount you pay for travel insurance will depend on a few variables. The type of coverage you choose, how many people are traveling in your party, age, destination and the length of travel. You can expect to pay 5 to 15 percent of the cost of our trip. The deductible amount is usually $200.

When most people experience pain, they reach into the medicine cabinet for a bottle of over-the-counter pain killer. But, not all pain medications are created equal.

“Choosing the right OTC pain killer will depend on what type of pain you are experiencing,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance provider.

As a matter of fact, some pain relievers are best for reducing pain and fevers, while others contain an anti-inflammatory, best for treating sore muscles and reducing swelling. The Business Insider also suggests considering your medical history along with what you have recently had to eat or drink.

They break down, what OTC pain medications are most effective in treating your specific pain.

Tylenol– most effective for headaches

Aleve– helpful for a hangover and arthritis

Advil– best for a fever, menstrual cramps, a hangover, sore muscles, sinusitis, ear and toothaches

“Over the counter medications have side effects and should not be used as a permanent solution to pain,” reminds Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent health insurance provider.

Even though these pain medications are available without a prescription, they can still cause harmful side effects. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can worsen liver problems. While, Advil (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naproxen sodium) and Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) can exacerbate stomach, GI or kidney issues. All these pain relievers except for aspirin, can increase your risk for heart problems according to professionals at the Mayo Clinic.

To avoid harmful side effects, try exploring natural options for pain relief. If you are experiencing pain due to arthritis, exercise, weight loss, heat and cold therapy as well as physical therapy could be useful.

Pain is the body’s signal that something is wrong. It can be temporary and minor or it could be an indication of a more serious health issue. Do not hesitate seeing a medical professional for an evaluation to diagnose the source of your pain. Bear in mind, the internet is full of useful information but it cannot take the place of a doctor’s exam.

Common seasonal allergy symptoms include: an itching nose, roof of mouth, throat and eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose or congestion, runny nose, red and tearing eyes along with dark circles or bags under the eyes.

The pollen forecast for Florida shows high pollen counts since the beginning of this month, according to Pollen.com, a website dedicated to providing allergy information and pollen forecasts. In spring, grasses and tree pollen are the widespread cause of hay fever or seasonal allergies. Currently, tree pollen from oak, juniper, elm and bayberry trees are the offenders.

To fight off those annoying allergy symptoms, allergist suggest taking allergy mediation every day during allergy season starting in March or February, before you experience symptoms.

Other practices can help you control allergy symptoms such as:

Washing your hands often and keeping them away from your face.

When you come inside take a shower to get rid of the pollen from your skin and hair.

Men should shave regularly.

Keep windows closed.

Limit outdoor activities on days with a high pollen count.

Vacuum your home regularly.

Climate factors can influence how bad your symptoms might be. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) reports, “Mild winter temperatures cause plants to pollinate early. While a rainy spring can promote rapid plant growth and lead to an increase in mold growth causing symptoms to last well into the fall.”

While Florida does not require you to get boat insurance before you register your vessel, boat insurance is a good idea. Boat insurance offers protection from the responsibility of owning, operating and towing your boat.

As a matter of fact, if your boat is financed, your lender may require you to have boat insurance. Also, certain marinas and harbors require insurance for you to dock your boat.

Much like car insurance, there are different options to choose from when it comes to buying boat insurance. Your insurance needs depend on the type of watercraft you own while selecting the option you feel most comfortable with.

Liability Losses– this will cover bodily injury and property damage in an accident where you are at fault.

Comprehensive and Collision– Physical damage or comprehensive and collision will cover any out of water incidents. Collision covers damage to a boat involved in a collision. Comprehensive coverage protects your boat if it is stolen, damaged by a fire or vandalized.

Uninsured Coverage– this will cover costs for damage and injuries if you are involved in a collision with a boater that does not have boat insurance.

Medical Coverage– will cover costs related to injuries suffered in a boat accident. Check your health insurance first, it could provide the adequate coverage you need.

Additional coverage is also available for fishing equipment and other boat related personal property you want to insure.

Financial Website, Money Crashers recommends purchasing comprehensive coverage if you have a loan on your boat or you own a newer model.

When purchasing boat insurance, you must also choose how the insurance company will pay you in the event of a claim.

Your health insurance plan is a contract between you and your insurance company but do you really know what is in it? “Completely understanding your health insurance benefits can save you money,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance provider.

Our knowledge should extend beyond premiums, deductibles and in-network doctors. We don’t always research the specifics of our plans, making the most of our medical coverage. According to HealthCare.gov, insurance companies and job-based health plans must provide you with a Summary of Benefit and Coverage (SBC). It is smart to take time to review our healthcare benefits and how they can work to our gain.

For example, if you have medical, dental or vision coverage, take advantage of preventative screenings. Annual check-ups, well-exams and cancer screenings are free. Vaccinations such as the flu shot also do not cost you anything due to recent changes in healthcare.

Likewise, check for the inclusion of discounts for health and wellness products and services. This can include gym memberships, yoga classes, exercise equipment even trips to the chiropractor. Your health insurance could cover a visit with a nutritionist to improve your diet or smoking cessation classes to help you stop smoking. Some health insurance plans also include healthy living rewards, discounts for healthy habits.

Another place to find prescription drug savings is in the pharmacy you choose. Shop pharmacies and compare prices, especially on prescription medication you use regularly. Wholesale clubs such as Costco and Sam’s Club, do not require a membership to fill and purchase prescriptions at their pharmacies. Also, do not be shy about asking your medical professional for samples.

Do not waste your time if you do not like your doctor or clinic. Most people do not switch because of the hassle of finding a new doctor. But many websites with reviews or word of mouth, will assist in finding a physician you feel comfortable with while in your network.

Additionally, pay attention to open enrollment season. This is the time to make any necessary changes to your health insurance plan. Re-evaluate your medical expenses over the past year while keeping future needs in mind.